Description

The city of Drakkel is a large, wealthy and powerful city that holds
much political and military power in the south. It is ruled by a
group of economic guilds that are united to form a democratic government.
Although corrupt, its booming economy has made it a beacon of civilization.
Drakkel is the largest of all the cities that form the Drakkellian Alliance and
serves as the national capital.

Often called the "City of Gold", Drakkel is
an opulent city with luxurious trappings on every wall and door, a spectacle of riches
around every corner. There is a saying - "Drakkel wears its wealth on the outside".
This undoubtedly refers to the architecture. Every building is adorned with columns, bas
relief, sculptures, marble, gold leaf and other expensive touches. Between buildings, one
will find statues, parks, gardens, cobblestone walkways, reflecting pools, sculpted
shrubbery, fountains and elaborate gateways. It is quite obvious that this city has been
methodically planned out and unashamedly crafted for one specific goal - to boast its
wealth. And at this, the city planners have succeeded.

History

Although the Traxx Legion was the last
great nation still standing at the end of the Great War,
the centuries of war had taken a toll on the Legion. The once mighty warrior
nation had won the Great War at a terrible cost. So much of its resources had
gone to the war that it did not have the strength to rebuild. Poverty and hunger
were widespread. Bandits prowled the land hindering caravans and trade.
Corruption crept into the legion at all levels and the chain of command
throughout the military began to break down.

Three wealthy nobles took advantage of the
fragmented economy. Duke Malluger was a ruler of a small Traxx duchy to the
east. Lord Leonis Madare was a wealthy landowner in the north and Master Ipron
Kaynur was a powerful merchant and master of a guild. These three men united
their wealth and resources. In the winter of 364 CY, these three men together
purchased the tiny village of Drakkel and the snowy fields around it. History
records that they purchased the village with a single Traxxian copper coin and
the tales that explain that price are many. That single coin was later reclaimed
and has been handed down through the generations as the most prized relic of
Drakkellian lore.

The Traxx Legion suffered severe internal
conflicts including struggles between the nobility and the military, struggles
between different factions of the military and problems between the Traxx Legion
and surrounding lands. Battles between the Traxx Legion and the orcs of the
Sentinel Mountains continued. The town of Drakkel and its three noble leaders
took advantage of this political and economic chaos, often selling weapons to
both sides or playing one faction against another. In so doing, Drakkel filled
its coffers even as the coffers of the Traxx Legion were emptied.

The three nobles took advantage
of the fragmented economy of the Traxx Legion and united several guilds into a
loose network of economic partnership. This helped optimize the flow of food,
goods and money between the various towns. Caravans were guarded and badly
needed food and crafted goods began to flow. Mercenaries were hired and organized and
used to scare off bandit attacks. Trade quickly recovered.

In the fifth and sixth centuries, the
Drakkellian Alliance grew in strength and became a viable economic entity
working within and in cooperation with the Traxx Legion. The city of Drakkel
itself swelled in size during this time as many refugees from the war torn Traxx
Legion came to find work and stability.

In the summer of 771, a revolt among high
ranking Traxxian officers against the nobility erupted leading to a full scale military
coup. The ruling nobility were executed and control of the nation fell to petty
warlords who fought amongst themselves. The Traxx Legion quickly began to dissolve into
dozens of groups that waged war against each other.

The Drakkellian Alliance remained a strong
economic force and held together even as the Traxxian government broke up around
it. The Alliance sold weapons, food and other goods to opposing sides while
remaining politically neutral. By playing different war lords against each
other, the Drakkellian Alliance was able to stay out of the fighting while
filling its coffers. The Alliance's wealth and influence grew greatly as it became the only group
in the region with any real power.

In 797 CY, the Drakkellian
Alliance, now a full and growing nation, began rebuilding the ruin of a Traxxian
fortress so as to establish a strong military base on its eastern borders and defend itself
against bandit raids from the bands roving the Sentinel Mountains which were
becoming more common. Drakkel sent a small force of troops and craftsmen to rebuild and man this
outpost.

In the fall of 1070 CY, the Drakkellian Alliance ordered
the fortress to stand down. With the unification of
several major orcish groups, several guild masters in Drakkel feared that having a
military outpost so close to the orcish border would provoke full scale war rather than
protect the peace and encourage
economic relations. These guildmasters used their
influence to sway the council and Drakkel soon ordered the soldiers to
abandon the fortress and return home.

A coup quickly followed in the fortress.
The administrators, merchants and leaders fled back to Drakkel, but the military
leaders stayed. Ignoring the order to return home, the warriors declared
themselves independent. The Drakkellian Alliance promptly severed all
political ties with the fortress.

Today, the city of Drakkel is one of the
largest, wealthiest and most powerful cities in all of Ithria. It leads all
other towns and cities in the Alliance.

Culture

Drakkel differs from other cities in Ithria. For one thing, it is a very clean
city. The city maintains a brigade of workers whose sole function is to keep the streets
clean and make repairs as necessary. This band of 186 commoners is paid by the city
officials and takes great pride in their work. They are protected by the city guard and
enjoy certain privileges about town.

Drakkel has a refined air about it. Unlike the posh civility and blatant
snobbery of Vogue, Drakkel maintains order because it's good for business. There are
beggars, pickpockets and such in Drakkel, but the city keeps a close eye on them. They are
simply the lowest tier in a complex economic tapestry. The beggars and paupers of Drakkel
have formed a social guild of sorts and even go so far as to hold meetings and share what
little wealth they have among them. The city allows them this. There is another saying in
Drakkel: "Poverty must exist so that the nobles may enjoy their wealth".

Drakkellian Bartering

Drakkellian bartering is considered an art form. Drakkellians
don't respect you if you can't barter well. There is even a School of Bartering.
Some merchants hire licensed barterers who will barter for a merchant for a
stiff fee. In the local slang, a hired barterer is a "sword tongue".
Master sword-tongues are almost celebrities. Like lawyers, you need a good one
for a major negotiation.

Drakkellian Debt Tattoos

Debt is a common thing in the Drakkellian Alliance. One of the most common
penalties handed out by the courts to those who cannot pay their debts is to
make the debtor an indentured servant to the individual, guild or business that
is owed. Indentured servants are marked with a standardized tattoo glyph
identifying their status as an indentured servant, their "owner" and the amount
owned (which translates to a specific number of months or years until their
bondage is complete). The tattoo is altered with the passage of time as the debt
is paid off. Typically, if the debt of is owed to one of the ruling guilds, the
symbol of that guild is incorporated into the tattoo.

Drakkellian Slaves

Slaves in Drakkel are branded with the mark of the city (three circles,
indicating the three coins of the Drakkellian standard).

Cuisine

Because Drakkel is a port city surrounded by arable land, it enjoys a great deal of sea food as well as produce and fresh meat from the farms and fruit and wine from local orchards. The people of Drakkel favor black rye, a dark bread with a soft texture. Onion soup is also very popular here.

Festivals and Faires

Once each year, a grand festival is held in the city of Drakkel wherein
a wealthy noble and a pauper exchange places. It involves a large ceremony
followed by a week long festival and a treasure hunt wherein the entire city
searches for a legendary coin. Whoever finds the coin wins the wealth of a
noble. This is the social highlight of the year, drawing people from all over
the Drakellian Alliance.

Possibly the largest and most organized sporting event in all the lands, this
game is unique to the Drakkellian Alliance. It is a complex, competitive team
sport known for mixing strategy with intense physical play. The game is fought
(often quite literally) between three teams, each with their own goal. The
winner is the first team to reach a specified number of points. Kalgamorra
is a unique game in that its rules are intricately interwoven with the culture
of the city in such a way that it could not be played anywhere else.

News, Rumors and Gossip

Arkuron Prad, the eldest son of Lord Veras Prad, is missing.
Rumors state that he has fled with treasure and trade secrets of the guild and
is traveling to Uthran to join another guild.

A large contingent of the Scorched Hide orcish tribe, led by
human officers from the Red Eye Corp have entered the city. It is clear they are
looking for something or somewhere.

The City Districts

The city of Drakkel is divided up into twelve districts. Most of them have a common street name (such as "The Market District") in addition to a more formal, historical name. Both the formal name and the common name are used in every day conversation.

Prythel (The Government District)

This small, but wealthy district dominates the center of
the city and contains most of Drakkel's government buildings. The district is
said to be named after prythelene, a rare silver metal which adorns certain
parts of the government buildings. Many guild nobles live in this district. It is home to the enormous House of Guilds, the City Mint and the City Archives. The wealthiest guilds maintain offices here as well.

Eredyne (The Lords District)

Primarily a residential district for
the very wealthy including many guild lords and their families. The district of Eredyne includes numerous palatial estates, magnificent stone homes, statues and parks.

Towerbright (The High District)

A small but wealthy district, Towerbright holds most
business and establishments of high social standing. This includes banks, money
changers, jewelers, magic shops, wine shops, art shops and expensive crafted
goods.

Arberus (The Park District)

A moderately wealthy beautiful section of town dominated by
parks and the City Preserve. Drakkel's elven population lives mostly in this
district.

Lorscrye (The Academic District)

A small, upper class district which is
dominated by the university. Several wealthy nobles live here along with
a few business that cater to scholars and other people of education. Several
small libraries and museums can be found here.

Domerund (The Gods District)

Known as the Gods' District, this small district houses most of the temples and shrines of the city. The priests and monks of various gods dwell here. This district is also home to a wide variety of people who serve the church - employees, servants and slaves.

Copperton (The Guild District)

Copperton is known as the Guild District because many of the ruling guilds have their great guild halls located here. A number of homes, apartment buildings and taverns can also be found here. Copperton gets it name from the three copper guilds, which are some of the oldest guilds in the city. Originally known as "Copper Town", over the centuries, it has been shortened to "Copperton".

Eshval (The Market District)

Eshval is a very active district, perhaps second only to the Harbor District. Here in the market districtone finds most of the merchants, craftsmen and shops. It is known as the Market District because Eshval is home to the great Bazaar, many smaller markets and the infamous Hell's Market. A number of homes, apartment buildings and taverns can also be found here.

Damerus (The Common District)

A huge and sprawling district. Relatively
poor with a mix
of homes and business of low to modest income.

West Quarter (The Poor District)

Another large and relatively poor
district of the city. Named for its location and the fact that, at one time, it
housed almost a quarter of the entire city population.

Porthus (The Harbor District)

A poor section of town, Porthus is a very large
district which holds the waterfront. Here one may find the harbor and
waterfront, many docks and piers, ships coming and going, several shipyards and
repair facilities and dozens of aging warehouses. Scattered throughout the
district are many cheap taverns, inns, apartment buildings, residences and workhouses (where many of the
dockhands sleep).

Beggertown

Huddled along the banks of the Merchant's
Highway, Beggartown is the common name for the squalid maze of shacks and tents
that have sprung up outside the city walls of Drakkel. Although such pathetic
structures are scattered all about the city walls, the largest concentration is
just north of the city straddling the river.

City Infrastructure

The Nine Keys

Nine large gatehouses control the main roads into
Drakkel. These houses control the flow of traffic into the city. If those seeking entrance
seem to be financially capable of either buying, trading, or selling, they are charged a
silver noble per person as an admission fee and wished a pleasant day. This weeding out
process is one of the reasons that Drakkel proper enjoys such a low poverty rate for a
city its size. The very poor or unproductive are simply not tolerated, and every effort is
made by the city to send them on their way.

The Twin Beacons of Porthus

Twin lighthouses of great size sit on either side of the mouth of the great
Drakkellian harbor. Each sits at the end of a long rocky spit of land. These
spits keep the waters calm within the harbor . A great pyre of oil soaked wood
burn on the top of each lighthouse which are lit each night and extinguished
every dawn.

The River Gate

A massive ornate copper portcullis, green with corrosion and algae. This
massive portcullis raises and lowers to allow river traffic into the city.

Government and Public Establishments

House of Guilds

The House of Guilds is the main economic and political center
of the city. It is the gathering place of the
Council of Guilds. This tremendous building holds 420 chambers on four levels
that wrap round numerous courtyards. Within these walls, many important decisions are made every day. Trade
pacts, debates on taxation and zoning laws, and all manner of political backstabbing are
to be found here. All branches of government, including the courts and
magistrates, reside within this building.

The Bazaar

This is the largest and oldest continually active market center west of the
empire. In fact, the market existed before the city itself did. It's a grand spectacle...
Goods and services from all nations, cultures, anything that could ever be imagined
can be found in abundance here. Vendors enjoy a reduced trade fee, to encourage the growth
of new businesses. People from all the lands, even savages, can set up shop here as long
as they've got something to sell. The Bazaar is open all hours of
the day and every day of the year. Political upheavals and wars throughout history have
not been able to stop it or even slow down the thousands of people who continually flock
here. The Bazaar never, ever closes. It has been and will always be. The Bazaar is a
circular area with three tiers, each inner tier being set 3 meters lower than
the next. This gives the
market a bowl shaped appearance and allows everyone to see the entire market place no
matter where they stand.

The University of Drakkel

Drakkel maintains and helps fund a large and very successful
university. Of course, tuition at this prestigious academy is outrageous and
only wealthy businessmen can afford to send their sons to this school. The
business school is the largest school in the university, but smaller schools to
engineering, metaphysics, science, literature, mathematics, history and magic
are maintained. The university emphasizes marketing, administration, oration,
mathematics and other business related skills. It houses a small, but well
maintained library with books covering all major subjects.

City Conscript Office

The city conscript office is little more than a small second story office above
a large covered courtyard. It serves as a gathering place for those looking for
employment. Whether militia duty, farm labor, skilled crafts or mercenary jobs,
it will be posted here.

The Drakkellian Ring Fortress

Unique for its architecture, the Ring Fortress is the home of the Drakkelian City Guard. It consists of a great ring shaped fortress, four levels tall, surrounding a 200 foot wide courtyard. Here the city guard lives and trains.

The Drakkellian Guild of Sorcery is perhaps the greatest guild of mages in all of southern Ithria. Boasting almost one hundred members, the Guild is located in the heart of the city in a fortress known as Kaldrayden, a tremendous towering colossus of grey stone, jutting balconies and steep tiled roofs. Only members are allowed access to Kaldrayden (Kal-DRAY-den) and all of its 280 chambers which include various bed rooms, lounges, dining halls, kitchens, treasuries and armories.

Guldremor is an infamous island prison a few kilometers from the port of Drakkel. It is the most famous and most feared prison in the Drakkellian Alliance. Even the threat of being sent to Guldremor is enough to break the most hardened criminal.

The Drakkellian Preserve

This is a walled section of town devoted to the preservation of
exotic plants and animals. It is a biological preserve, zoo and garden filled with plants
and animals brought from around the realms. It is, in many ways, an expensive playground for the wealthy. Most of the city can not afford the 5 gold piece entry fee. Some of the nobles who are avid hunters have managed to capture animals for the preserve and they enjoy seeing their prizes on display. There are a few dangerous animals kept here including shimmercats, krallinar, dragon hounds and a mated pair of firedrakes. The jewel of the preserve is a full grown male torgat which arrived last year.

The City Guard of Drakkel

The city guard of Drakkel consists of some 1500 men and women
who proudly displayed the Drakkellian coat of arms on black and gold tunics worn over their armor. They patrol the streets in groups of four. Each group has three standard guard who are led by an officer. All
four fight with long swords and
shields and wear a suit of drakkellian banded plate - a half plate
variant of overlapping metal plates over a mesh of loosely woven leather strips.
This design maximizes air flow and creates a suit of armor that is fairly
comfortable, even on hot summer days.

The leading officer of each group bears the title
"magistrate". This individual is both a
military officer and a legal official. Crimes in the city of Drakkel are usually
punished with a hefty fine or a sentence of indentured servitude to the city for
a specified amount of time. Such penalties are handed out by the magistrates
right there on the streets. They are granted this authority by the city and it
is rarely questioned. Of course, the magistrates must answer to the High
Magistrate so their authority is rarely abused.

One of the three soldiers carries a long spear to which is
attached a large, brightly colored black, gold and burgundy pennant. This makes
the group easy to spot from a distance or through a crowd. While the city guard
takes care of drunken brawls and petty theft, more often than not, they are
called upon to settle disputes between buyers and sellers. The magistrates are
skilled in bartering, appraising and jewelry so as to better settle such
disputes.

Underworld

Located between West Quarter and the Market District, there is a black market that
sells all manner of underworld goods. Poisons, slaves, assassinations,
smugglers, torture implements and worse are all sold here. The most depraved and
terrible horrors are sold here. Hell's Market is subterranean network of halls and corridors crowded with booths, stalls and patrons. Hell's Market is the darkest corner of Drakkel... the black heart of a
corrupt city. Most citizens have heard stories about Hell's Market, but decent folk steer clear of it. The Drakkellian government ignores Hell's Market,
essentially pretending that it doesn't exist.

The largest criminal organization operating in the southlands of Ithria is known
simply as the Company. It is loosely organized network of groups, guilds,
smugglers, thieves, informants and crime bosses. Usually the various subguilds
of the Company work together toward common goals, but sometimes different guilds
will operate independently.

The Gutter Rats are a large and fairly well organized gang of street urchins,
beggars and thieves. Most of them are orphans between the ages of 8 and 18. They
work together, share resources and protect each other. The size of the group
varies from month to month, but is estimated to be around 200 children. This gang runs
wild in the streets of Drakkel. They follow no laws but their own. They try to
stay out of the way of the city guard.

Temples and Shrines

The largest temple in Drakkel is dedicated to the dwarven god, Gorkon, the Merchant King. That god's emphasis
of money, power, influence and prestige meshes perfectly with the cutthroat business
practices of Drakkel. Surprisingly, Kolter,
lord of mischief, also has a sizeable temple here.

Drakkel also has shrines to Sakyr
(Drakkellians are organized), Daramis
(Drakkellians like to spread the wealth), Imarus
(most laborers in the city pay homage to this god), Lyris, Semorjon (because it's a major port city), Zothok (business is competitive), Strath, Sarreth and Fenzyr.

Unique City Features

The Jewel Fountain

Like many other things in Drakkel, this spectacle is overly decorative. This
magically enchanted marble fountain sprays glittering jewels and gemstones instead of
common water. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, diamonds are mingled with
waterstones, sunstones, blood opals and firestones. These precious rocks fall into a basin
where they vanish only to shoot out of the top again. A quick eye and a quicker hand can
pluck one of these prizes from the fountain. If such a stolen gem is studied, the jeweler
will find that the gemstone is real. However, any stolen gemstones magically change into
ordinary stone within minutes of being taken. Businesses near the Jewel Fountain are wary
of those who pay with gems and will normally wait several minutes to make sure they are
not being duped.

The Dragon's Embrace

The Dragon's Embrace is a massive statue of a maiden and a dragon embracing.
It is fashioned from marble and stands 5 meters tall (16 ft). A fountain is incorporated
into the statue such that the dragon is "breathing fire". This statue fountain
sits at the river port greeting river traffic.

Important People in Drakkel

Lord Tymok
Ozzel is an immensely fat, but good natured man. He is easily
recognizable by his drooping mustache, balding head and deep belly laugh, which
is heard often. He wears a gold ear ring in his left ear, which is quite the
fashion throughout the south. He is overly fond of ale, fine food and wearing
brightly colored clothing. Lord Ozzel is a shrewd businessman and a charismatic
leader able to influence people with sweet words and play them against each
other like pawns.

Sobidan, the Lord Magistrate

Sobidan is the highest ranking judge in the nation of Drakkel. He reigns supreme
in matters of law. As such, he is often called upon to settle
disputes between the Guild
Houses and the Federated
Craftsmen of Drakkel. Sobidan is an old man with snow white hair, a bushy
white beard and a husky voice. He usually wears common clothes and a heavy knit
sweater when home or about town. When working, Sobidan wears the thick, white
cowled robes of his office. Sobidan has no family but many friends around town.
He is known as a skill musician and chess player. Sobidan and Ozzel are good
friends, constantly playing outrageous pranks on one another.

Elok Beshar

A fat, pasty-skinned beardless man that rules the Federated Craftsmen of
Drakkel. He is well liked by most craftsmen in the community and respected by
many guild members as well. Elok is somewhat paranoid of the guild leaders and
always suspects the guilds of plotting and scheming against him. This is
somewhat true. The guilds to plot and scheme, but usually against each other.
Elok is a well organized man who carefully tracks the guilds, the flow of
money into his coffers and the independent craftsmen of the city. Elok has a
wife, three daughters and two sons. They dwell in a large stone house in the
southern end of town near the docks.

Lord Saeg Tenney

Lord Saeg Tenney is the guild master of House Tenney, the fourth largest guild
in the Alliance. House Tenney builds sea faring ships of all sizes and is the
wealthiest of all guilds. Because of the sheer size of its product, only a dozen
or so vessels are produced each year. His position at the helm of this guild has
made him one of the wealthiest men in all the realms... certainly the richest
man in the Drakkellian Alliance. Lord Tenney is a tall and well-built man of
sixty years. He has long white hair which he always wears in a long braid and a
thick beard which he keeps neatly trimmed. His clothing is expensive and
well-cut, but never gaudy. Upon his broad shoulders he wears a dark blue cape
trimmed in gold thread and fastened by a gold chain. Lord Tenney is a boisterous
man, passionate about life and work, who laughs loud and often. His frequent
lavish banquets (which he cooks himself) are thrown for friends and are the talk
of the town. His frequent business travels have allowed him to make excellent
contacts with governments and organizations in many other nations. He is
immensely proud of the quality of his guild's ships and personally inspects each
vessel before it is launched. Having been groomed as a shipbuilder from a young
age by his father, Lord Tenney often pours over engineering designs with his
shipwrights long into the night. During his free time, which he has precious
little off, Lord Tenney enjoys sailing his own vessel, the Oaken Lilly.
Lord Tenney, who wears quite a bit of wealth upon him, is always accompanied by
four personal guards.

Tax Marshall Davros Bendri

The highest ranking tax official in the city of Drakkel. He rules over all over the many tax offices and a network of tax collectors.

Lord Straddoch, the Harbor Master

Lord Jon Straddoch rules over the harbor, but his influence extends beyond the waterway. He is seen as the unofficial mayor of the entire Harbor District. He is also a very wealthy man, a friend to many guild lords and a political heavyweight that holds a great deal of sway in city politics. He sets laws and policies in the harbor as well as working with Tax Marshall Bendri on taxes and tariffs. Lord Straddoch is a handsome older man with a greying red hair and trimmed beard. He is tall, lean man who usually wears a black sable doublet trimmed in gold and a black cape fastened at the shoulder by three "gold coin" buttons. He is a stern man with an unflinching gaze and an unshakeable aura of authority. He speaks in a slow, measured baritone voice.

Haydar Kein

One of the more powerful crime bosses in Drakkel with connections to multiple
guilds and criminal organizations in the city. Rumored to be in opposition to
the Company. Heydar Kein operates out of a small estate in the Eredyne district.

The very reclusive ruler of the Company. Little is known about him, except that he leads the largest and most successful criminal organization in the southlands.

Inns and Taverns

Name and
Proprietor

Description

The Dancing
MuleMadrul

Inn - One of the older and larger inns
in Drakkel, the Dancing Mule (formerly called The Rat and Noble) was recently
bought out by a man who owns three other taverns of the same name in the Drakkellian
villages of Barter, Westport, and Price. Madrul, a cold and remorseless entrepreneur,
dictates that his four inns serve the same fare, and the same ales in the bar. The
original patrons of The Rat and Noble's tavern balked at the change, but eventually
resigned themselves to still frequent the place rather than actively search for a new
place to go. Business in the inn has actually increased as travelers, who are familiar
with the other identical inns, decide to stick with familiarity and stay at the Dancing
Mule. Madrul's business contemporaries never thought his plans would work out, but now
agree that he may be onto something. In the last two years, Madrul has suddenly
become one of Drakkel's ten richest men.

Cracked MugMartin Preese

Tavern - The Cracked Mug Tavern is large tavern near the Bazaar. It has a good basic foodstuffs and a number of ales. The Cracked Mug also claims to have the best venison pie in the city. There is a large central dining room and a large outside deck that overlooks the streets and a plaza below. The Cracked Mug is run by Martin Preese, a wiry, red haired man who inherited the place from his deceased father. His wife Mera handles the paperwork and his three daughters serve patrons. Martin's brother, Kef, a huge obese man, also lives with the family. Kef does most of the cooking and it is his venison pie (his own recipe) which is so loved by patrons.

Wounded Keel
TavernTavinus

Tavern/Inn - This unique
establishment is actually a ship which is permanently moored at the city
docks. Several years ago, a huge cargo ship suffered severe damage during a
sea storm. Unable to afford the repairs necessary to make her seaworthy
again, the captain sold her to a local businessman who converted her into
Drakkel's first floating restaurant. After a great deal of modification and
reconstruction, this enormous ship has now found new life as a floating inn.
The establishment has become quite popular with the local dockhands and
mariners.

The Wounded Keel features a large common
room, a well stocked kitchen and eight rooms for rent. While seafaring ships
are not normally spacious inside, this was a particularly large vessel and
the doors and corridors have been refitted to allow some roominess.

The proprietor of the Wounded Keel is a
man named Tavinus. He is a cripple and gets around in a small wheelbarrow
which is pushed by Dreskin, his bodyguard. Dreskin is a small man, but is
fast with a blade and not afraid to use it.

The Wounded Keel is frequented by thieves
and other criminals. Tavinus himself is a former thief and knows a great
deal about what is going on in Drakkel's underworld.

The Pig and ThistleThistle

Tavern - Run by a maternal grum lady named
Thistle. The Pig and Thistle is a small tavern named after its signature
dish. The cook makes a fabulous spiced pork dish that many of the regulars
ask for. Thistle knows many of the grum in Drakkel and much of her clientele
is grum.

White Wolf TavernMagnus

Tavern - A popular tavern in run by a
half blind dwargrum (dwarf grum mix) who often sits by the fire, plucks at a
lyre and tells tales to entertain the patrons. The pelt of a great white
wolf hangs above the hearth and Magnus has quite a tale to go with it.

The Weary GrumFallrun

Tavern - This is a very small tavern run by
the old grum named Fallrun (and the name of the tavern likely refers to
him). He is a widower and has no children. He works here alone and does all
the cooking and cleaning. It has a main dining room and a small private room
in the back. Fallrun brews his own ale, cooks meals, serves drinks and
generally takes care of his customers.

The Drowned Rat TavernMule and Merrick

Tavern - A small seedy tavern down by the docks in the
Porthus district. The Drowned Rat is run by a pair of ex thieves - a
muscular half orc named Mule and a little wiry human named Merrick. These
two are old adventuring pals who survived a mission which wiped out their
entire party. They managed to escape from a gruesome fate (just barely) with
the lives and a fabulous jewel which, at the time, was in the stomach of a
drowned rat. The two adventurers retired and used the jewel to buy
themselves this small tavern. It is a tale that Merrick likes to tell often
to anyone who will listen. Merrick is the talkative one who serves drinks at
the bar. Mule cooks and also serves as bouncer. His great sword hangs above
the bar. Mule keeps a close eye on customers and always seems to be
expecting trouble. Gulesha is an ugly redheaded half grum who cleans and
helps around the place. Besides food and drink, they have six tiny rooms for
rent. This place has greasy food, watered down ale and poor locks. Most of
the clientele are mariners and dockworkers. Thieves are common here.

The Red Trident TavernGrakus

Tavern/Inn - The Red Trident Tavern is a large and boisterous tavern with many connections to local criminal groups and some of the more shady and unethical guild houses.

The Stone Lady InnMurta

Inn - The Stone Lady Inn is a large, clean and secure inn in the Copperton district. It offers good food and fine rooms at affordable prices. Due to past events, there is something of a feud going on between this inn and one of the wealthier guilds.

Shops and Guilds

Name and Proprietor

Description

Humble BeggarBehir

Gambling Hall - This infamous gambling
house is known for being the place where a young Normidian prince is rumored to have
entered with a smug expression on his face and a good deal of his family's fortune in tow.
He emerged two hours later severely embarrassed, and as the new property of the
Drakkellian Slaver's Guild. By the time the Normidian King received word of this in
Tykron, the young prince was digging latrines in the Ice Rock mountains.The King was so
angry that he very nearly declared war on the Drakkellian Alliance.( An amusing notion,
since Drakkel has no political enemies.) After his ire subsided, the King decided to do
the only proper thing...he declared his brave and noble son dead in a freak boating
accident. The nation of Normidia mourned for a month. Rumors in Drakkel, however, report
that the prince is in chains to this day, unable to convince anyone who he is, cursing the
dice in his sleep.

Raven MistressMyrra

Brothel - A rather unique brothel on the
east side of town run by the Slaver's Guild. The girls (and boys) available here are all
slaves, mostly from Myria. The establishment is almost like a specific type of slave
auction, where clients can pay for an hour or so of companionship, and if suitably
impressed, can pay for ownership of their companion. The Raven Mistress is located just
down the street from the Slaver Main House, and is notable for it's very tasteful
decor, considering who runs it.

Lustrous BladeLeo Five Pint

Trading Post - The Grum Leo
Five Pint runs this
very successful trading post, not only because of his uncanny ability to always seem to
have what people need at just the right time, but also because of the extras... he's
trained his well-paid staff to double as scribes and messengers, guide and clerks for
travelers making their way through the city. While selling basic items to folk, he can get
a sense of their needs in town, and then refer them to one of his stockboys for additional
help.(and an additional fee) He's also drafted a series of "Leo's Market
Maps", helpful guides to the bazaar which can help navigate strangers through it,
pointing out both good deals and cheats to avoid. He's made hundreds of copies on a real
Kalimuran printing press that he hides in the back. Leo's guides have become so popular
that he's actually been attacked by disgruntled vendors that he's publicly dismissed as
cheats. It's a good thing that most of the targets of his poison pen can't read, he jokes,
or he'd be in real trouble. His inventiveness and preparation for every
contingency have made him a very rich little man.

Brewing PotManesir

Apothecary - People have been wondering
about this establishment lately. Manesir, an old hedge wizard has owned The Brewing Pot
for almost thirty years. Some time ago, Manesir was very sick and had the shop closed for
weeks. Longtime friends reported that the old man seemed to be on death's door. Then,
suddenly, Manesir showed up for work the next day, apparently feeling fine, and after an
hour of tidying up was again open for business. Since his recent recovery, customers have
noticed some changes in his personality. He never haggles anymore, seeming almost
desperate to make every sale. He also seems not to know as much about his wares. Perhaps
he's getting rusty. At any rate, his regulars still shop there, and continue to compare
notes with each other about the old man's sudden eccentricities.

Drakkellian Labor Guild Recruiting
StationGuildsman Leoffe

Guild Hall - This is the larger of two
recruiting stations for the Company's slaver division. The other one is in Asylum. Here, a
young man with a strong back and prospects for the future will find himself bombarded with
pro-Labor Guild propaganda. Guildsman Leoffe seems very enthusiastic about his
job, and will cite the numerous benefits to a career in the Slaver industry: Excellent
pay, being able to journey to exotic lands. The illustrated sign above the desk depicts a
heroic looking young man with his out-drawn broadsword pointing towards the setting sun.
The slogan written on the sign in large, friendly letters says it all: "The
Slaver Way... Road to Adventure!"

House of BardsJohn Farwell

Playhouse/Theatre - This huge building
houses Drakkel's largest theatre. The theatre has a soaring ceiling
supported by four tremendous granite pillars. It seats 1,600 people. It is open every evening and something is always going
on. Troubadours and minstrels can be found here every night playing alone or in small
groups. In addition, a full scale play is put on for four consecutive nights twice each
month. The House of Bards is definitely the playground of the wealthy. Nobles and guild
masters will flock here on opening night to show off their wealth, model their latest
clothes and sip fantastically expensive wine. It is a place where many business deals are
struck during intermission. Because of the wealth of the clientele, a security force of 10
full time guards is maintained to deter pickpockets.

Archive of the AgesJonas Sklar

Library/Museum - Jonas Sklar is a
strange looking man. He is very tall and thin with a slightly elongated skull. Some say
that his father was something not quite human, but exactly what is up for debate. Jonas
maintains a wonderful library which houses not only books, but fossils, unearthed
treasures from ruins and more. There is nothing magical here and very little of value,
hence much of the city (including thieves and businessmen) ignore Jonas and his library.
However, for the few scholars, sages and academicians in Drakkel, this is the best place
to translate runes, do research and socialize with like minded men.

Rolling CoinBernard Stone

Jewelry Shop/Money Changer - Bernard
Stone is a balding human male with a thick mustache. He and his wife run a small jewelry
shop. Because of its location next to the main city gate, he also does a lot of business
exchanging currency. For regular customers and clients, he will also store
items in his vault for a monthly fee.

Torag's Last BetMurron Golney

Gambling House - Run by a beautiful
young human woman who won the entire establishment in a bet against an half-orc captain
named Torag some seven years ago in a game of cards. Upon losing the bet, Torag drew his
sword and leapt over the table at the girl. He screamed to assembled crowd that no one
could ever beat Torag, especially not a woman - she must have cheated. He would have
gutted the defenseless human female except that his own orcish lieutenant leapt to the
girl's defense. A battle erupted and within seconds Torag lay dead, slain by his own men.
The lieutenant, named Bretang, who had led the group, stated to the awed-struck room that
he could not allow his captain to betray honor. He did what he felt was right. Murron took
charge of the bar and Bretang stayed on as her bouncer. To this day, the bloody sword that
took Torag's head is mounted above the bar and orcs are welcome in this establishment.
This one event did much to smooth human-orc relationships in Drakkel. Torag's Last Bet is
in the south quarter by the docks. both orc and human mariners and soldiers frequent this
establishment. They all love Murron whom the regulars have "adopted" as a
sister. This establishment also serves food and drink. This establishment serves an
excellent bear batter fish with a recipe that the in-house cook devised himself.

Rengal's RelicsRengal

Pawn Shop - Rengal's Relics is the
largest independently owned antique shop in Drakkel. It is entirely
confined within an aging keep which is filled with trinkets and relics
from all over. Most of the business and bartering takes place in the central
courtyard of this building. Rengal, a fat and bald dwarf with an eye patch,
is the confident ruler of this tiny realm. He runs a staff of 6 helpers. A
great deal of his merchandise is stolen. Rengal serves as the primary
fence for one of the local thieves guilds and they often lay low at
Rengal's place to avoid the city guard.

Dim Jon's FesthallDim Jon

Festival Hall - Dim Jon is a giant
of a man (actually half ogre) who built this grand hall by rebuilding a
ruin brick by brick over seven years. It is now a well maintained place of
gathering for anyone with enough gold. Commoners will often pool their
meager funds together to rent the hall out for a wedding or funeral.

Stark's KeepingStark

Public Storage Warehouse - Large
storage facility which is open to the public for monthly rental fee.
Controlled by Stark, an independent businessman. Not affiliated with any
of the ruling guilds. Stark's Keeping also has several large vaults for
storing valuables, though this costs extra.

The Piping OvenKurl Embran

Bakery - A popular bakery with
twelve ovens. Kurl, the master baker and five apprentices. Kurl had the
honor of once baking the Coin into a loaf of bread for the Festival of the
Coin. He was sworn to secrecy.

The Beautiful SlaveThe Lady Anattia

Brothel - This is a very
expensive, exotic and sophisticated brothel run by a beautiful and wealthy
courtesan. It is a large four story building with over 40 private rooms,
several conference rooms, one large central hall (where strip shows occur),
a kitchen, store room and stables. In the lower levels the dungeons are
equipped with racks, whips and paddles for those whose sexual appetites
range to the extreme. This establishment has its own dock making it possible for a ship to dock directly at the brothel. The peace is kept by several muscle bound bouncers who
will take care of anyone who gets rough with the girls. Thirty prostitutes, ten
guards and ten general laborers are employed here.

The owner and operator of this
establishment, Anattia, is a striking woman with deep brown eyes and
luxurious, long black hair. She can always be found here at her club, making
sure that everyone is having a good time. She is part hostess, part business
woman and part entertainer. She enjoys occasionally putting on sensuous
dances for the crowds and driving the men wild with desire. However, only
the wealthiest men can afford her and, even then, she is selective about
whom she will take into her bed. She is very fond of male companionship and
takes a different man to bed every night. Sometimes she will bed several men
in a single night, two or three at a time. Her appetite for carnal pleasures
is, shall we say, insatiable. Anattia carries a single jeweled
dagger, which is said to be ensorcelled with powerful magic. She has a belly
button ring and wears very little. Nudity is a common thing in this house of
sinful pleasures.

Wind and Tide Boat ShopMerrell

Nautical Shoppe - A small shop that
sells bait and tackle, repair materials for small boats, oars, canvas, rope,
tar, buckets, paddles and everything else one could need for a small sailing
vessel.

Black Tuma'sFarigun

Winery - The city of Drakkel
has its own private label wine called Black Tuma and its history is
something of a local legend. In the west quarter of the city, there is large
winery which was founded by a grumman winemaker named Buttlebar. This
ingenious little winemaker crafted a unique wine called Black Tuma, a
remarkable very dark sweet red wine, made from a blend of local berries. The
wine, renowned for its very dark burgundy color, rich character and sweet
taste, became quite popular among city officials and was served at state
functions and at the city hall. The recipe for this stout dark red wine was
kept a close secret. Ten years ago, a fire broke out in the building,
Buttlebar was killed and the secret recipe of Black Tuma was lost.
Buttlebar's son Farigun, struggled to keep the winery in operation despite
the loss of its best selling product. However, three years ago, Farigun
discovered a secret door that led to an unknown chamber where, apparently,
Buttlebar had kept his notes. Within this underground chamber, Farigun found
the notes for the recipes and distillation processes used to make Black
Tuma. Since then, the winery has enjoyed a resurgence of business as the
Black Tuma label wine has been put back on the market. Lord Ozzel himself
loves Black Tuma wine and serves it at all official state functions. The
government purchases more than half of the Black Tuma label and has
"adopted" it as the official wine of Drakkel. Black Tuma is culturally
associated with Drakkel far and wide.

House of PlayMarulek

Public Bathhouse and Social Club -
A large public
bathing hall for discerning clientele. It costs 2 silver pieces just to
enter the door (for non members). Members pay a monthly fee and enjoy
reduced rates. Fabulous food, private baths, meeting rooms, massage,
courtesans, expensive wines and rare drugs are all available for a price.

Marulek is a fat
and balding man with a long, thick, elaborately waxed and adorned mustache.
He has a helmet adorned with feathers that look like wings for ears. He is a
shrewd business man and charming host, able to part a visitor from their
money with honeyed words. Because of this talent with people and words, he
is a wealthy man who also has many underworld connections. His bathing hall
is opulent and decadent. It’s construction involves many rare and expensive
materials.

Far Fetched ImportsSamil Baratyn

Curio Shoppe - This store is owned and operated by
House Qaigen, one of the ruling guilds of Drakkel. That guild specializes in
curios and imports from distant lands and this is one of the main outlets of
the guild where many of the more interesting items are sold. Run by Samil
Baratyn, a ranking guild member. Samil is of unique origin, the orphaned
product of an anquaran father and a myrian mother who was raised by sea
gypsies for much of his life. Because of this unique background, he speaks
several languages found in the south seas.

Cheap HouseMilra Verisse

Residential Building - Cheap House is
one of many large buildings that rent out rooms on a monthly basis, which is
somewhat common in Drakkel. Cheap House is one of the average residential
buildings in Porthus District. Some six common rooms and 48 private rooms
are crammed within its crumbling walls. One small room here will cost 1
silver per month and consists of a cot and a door with a simple locking
bolt. The common room (where many people sleep and forego privacy) costs one
iron petty per night.

Hyker's Mending HallHyker

Hospital - This establishment tends
to the injured and sick of the city using mundane (non-magical) methods. It
is run by a group of healers who use no magic whatsoever... only natural
remedies and caring hands. They tend to broken bones and fevers every day.
For those who cannot afford magical healing, this place may offer some
relief of suffering. This establishment, receiving meager funds from the
city government, but is still barely able to make ends meet. Healing here is
not free, but it is cheap, and brings basic medical care within reach of
much of the city. This run down building is crumbling (sometimes literally)
around the healers and their patients. Disease is a problem and they have a
problem with blood roaches, rats and other pests. However, it is better than
nothing at all and the healers who work here (most of them volunteers from
the local churches and shrines) do remarkably well with very little. This
place is in Domerund District. Run by a human male named Hyker, once a
knight, who came from the north, having forsaken his vows and left his order
to tend to the meek and poverty stricken of the world.

The
Blood PitSayban

Arena - A privately owned arena that
seats about 7,000 people. This place hosts a variety of events, both lethal
and non-lethal to rowdy crowds who pay well for the entertainment. Fierce
betting surrounds these matches and fortunes can be made or lost on a single
sword thrust. The house taxes any winnings. This place also makes a profit
on marked up ale and food. Run by a grizzled half-orc with a checkered past
who has, at one time or another, been a bandit, a pirate and a gladiator.
Sayban has close ties with several local thieves guilds and will take bribes
to fix fights (usually aiding one gladiator or another), dispose of bodies
(by feeding them to the beasts below) and a variety of other dishonorable
acts. Sayban has a wizard on his staff who ensures that no one uses magic to
fix a fight but him.

The West Quarter
Boarding HallHurgos

Residential Building - A low income slums
apartment building run by a grumpy landlord named Hurgos the Fat. True
to his name, Hurgos is a tremendously obese man with an unruly beard and a
quick temper. This establishment is a run down, foul smelling and dirty
building which holds 80 private rooms. Each very small room has a mat and a
door with a bolt and costs 5 copper pieces per month. The room leaks and the
thin walls allow one to hear conversations and other noise in the next room.
Rats are a problem here as are blood roaches.

The Malloran
Sisters Magic ShoppeGilren and Hagoth

Magic Shop - A small magic shop where one can
purchase a variety of potions, salves charms, poisons and antidotes. Mostly
weak alchemical concoctions, but a few have true magic in them and are worth
the price. This place specializes in selling worthless charms and potions at
low prices to the poor who wouldn't know a magic potion from a fake one.
This place is run by a pair of sisters, Gilren and Hagoth. Ugly, greedy and
thoroughly without morals, they seem to dislike everyone and only care for
each other. They are quick witted and lie with ease. Gilren, the younger of
the two, is especially good at selling worthless trinkets for a good price.
These two seem to have connections with several thieves guilds in the city.

This website was last updated
January 1, 2015. Copyright 1990-2015 David M. Roomes.